Last year, the Nissan Qashqai was the best selling car in Europe, with 202,593 deliveries, this despite the fact that the factory in Britain that makes it had to stop and switch over to the new model. Now that car is ready and the very first examples have officially begun rolling off the line in Sunderland.
Much is expected of the new Qashqai, a replacement for the best-selling crossover in Europe, as well as Nissan's top model. At a glance, the model looks much-improved. From a design point of view, it adopts a much more serious look, with sharp edges and a keen front fascia. The crossover has also been made a lot bigger, by 49 mm. A lower and wider stance also help it drive more like a regular automobile.
The powertrains Nissan engineered are also brand new, starting with a 1.2 DIG-T turbo that replaces the base model's 1.6. Diesel engines have also been improved for better fuel economy and a powerful new 1.6 DIG-T turbo will become available later this year.
UK Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. David Cameron said: “It’s great news that the new model Qashqai is rolling off the production line in Sunderland. Nissan supports 40,000 jobs across the UK, and when you add that to the half a billion pound investment that Nissan have made in this country for this new model, it shows how our long term plan is giving companies the confidence to invest and create jobs in Britain.”
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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